Catholic Answers Live

Episodes

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  #12980 What Makes a Baptism Valid? Priestly Celibacy and Scripture - Jimmy Akin 14.11.2026

  “What makes a baptism valid?” This question opens a discussion on the essential elements of baptism, particularly for those unsure about their own baptism’s validity. Other topics include the biblical basis for Latin priestly celibacy and the sufficiency of Scripture in faith. Additionally, insights are shared on lesser-known Apostles and the biblical account of Jesus sweating blood. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:51 – Regarding valid Baptism: What is it that makes a baptism valid? (is in OCIA, got baptised in another church but was told his baptism was invalid). He looked online and according to his research he has a valid baptism, but his parish will not give him an answer. Does not want to commit sin if his baptism was valid by getting baptized again. 17:25 – How is Latin Priestly celibacy biblical? To be saved do I only need the Bible or is there something else along with the Bible? 28:15 – Jimmy had mentioned a musician that he likes to hear for Christian music. Middle school kids- he is a teacher: The kids are asking how come we do not know more about the Apostles that we do not hear much about in scripture. We hear about the 12 but we only know about 5-6 of them in detail, and how can they learn more? 36:01 – Passage in bible talking about “Jesus has drops of sweat like blood”. How does this get translated into Jesus actually sweating blood? 44:00 – Sufficiency of scripture and how St. Paul addresses this? (when he discusses scripture with his friend the friend takes a stance of Sola Scriptura and they come to an impasse on their conversations and he wants to know how to navigate that)
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  #12979 How Can Catholics Win Bible Disputes? Exodus and James 2 - Jimmy Akin 13.11.2026

  “How can Catholics win Bible disputes?” This episode addresses strategies for Catholics engaging in discussions with Protestants about Scripture. The conversation also touches on the historical timing of the Exodus and the complexities of justification as discussed in James 2:14-26, providing a well-rounded exploration of these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:12 – Catholics and Protestants argue about Bible passages. From your years of experience, any advice for Catholics who get involved in these disputes? 21:15 – The historical timing of the exodus. What century did it most probably occur? (Jimmy had a podcast video about this topic and this is a follow-up question from that) 44:00 – James 2; 14-26- Is it just ongoing justification or initial and ongoing justification?
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  #12978 Is Once Saved Always Saved Accurate? Assurance and Denominations - John Martignoni 13.11.2026

  “Is salvation a one-time thing that cannot be lost?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of salvation and assurance across different denominations. Other topics include navigating family dynamics with parents of differing faiths, the reliability of the disciples’ writings, and the challenges posed by the multitude of Protestant denominations. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Is Salvation a one time thing that cannot be lost? 15:40 – My mother is Catholic and my Dad is protestant. But my mother goes to my Dad’s church. How do I deal with having parents who have different churches, and love them both? 21:58 – If the disciples weren’t there, how did they know what to write — did Jesus tell them what to write? 24:10 – Protestants have something like 10,000 different denominations. With so many different beliefs and different variations, which one is correct? How can they be right when they’re all different? 30:28 – You said a reason to not believe in once saved always saved is there is no reason to not sin. But I believe in once saved always saved and I have lots of reasons I try not to sin. 45:38 – Why are there so many Catholics that don’t understand the Bible, especially Ephesians 2:8-10 which says we are saved by faith? 53:12 – Can a person have assurance of their eternity?
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  #12977 Why Does the Church Reject Contraception? Chastity and Sin - Emily Dinneny 12.11.2026

  “Why does the Church reject contraception?” This question opens a discussion on the Church’s teachings regarding family planning and the sanctity of life. Other topics include the morality of kissing before marriage, the distinction between chastity and celibacy, and the implications of living together before marriage. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:05 – Why does the Church reject contraception if there’s no life that is actually lost. Wouldn’t prevention be better than having an abortion anyway? 14:50 – For someone who left the homosexual lifestyle, what if when you wake you you start down the road of pleasuring yourself but then you stop. Is that a sin? 29:01 – Is it wrong to kiss before marriage? 35:14 – Is contraception alright when spacing children? 42:35 – What is the difference between chastity and celibacy? 45:15 – What is the Church’s teaching on living together before marriage? 52:00 – In the Bible when it talks about spousal submission, does that include ancillary bodily decisions like piercings, tatoos, hairstyles, etc.?
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  #12976 Can the Church Decide Who Goes to Heaven? Eucharist Explained - Joe Heschmeyer 12.11.2026

  “Can the Church decide who goes to heaven?” This question opens a discussion on the Church’s role in salvation, alongside varied topics such as the faith of the Oriental Orthodoxy and the implications of attending Mass. The conversation also touches on explaining the Eucharist to non-Catholics and the belief in justification by faith alone. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:32 – I am convinced of the faith of the Oriental Orthodoxy. 22:50 – I don’t think that the Catholic church should be able to decide who goes to heaven or hell. I also think that Catholic teaching of attending Mass is damning people to hell. 41:09 – How do I explain Luke 22:19 (in remembrance) as it relates to the eucharist to my dad who isn’t Catholic. 47:50 – I believe in justification on Faith alone.
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  #12975 How John 6 Points to the Eucharist – Pope Leo Statue - Joe Heschmeyer 11.11.2026

  “How Does John 6 Point to the Eucharist ?” This question opens a discussion on addressing misconceptions about Catholicism, including a friend’s assertion about the Church’s appearance. The conversation also touches on the interpretation of John 6:63 and its implications for understanding the Eucharist, providing a well-rounded exploration of faith and scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 0:01 – Responding to Giant Pope Leo Statue 11:49 – My friend said the Catholic church looks satanic. How can I respond? 35:16 – I studied a structure of John 6:63 is referring to 51-57 reveals to respond to them rather than the Catholic Eucharist.
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  #12974 Can Orthodox and Catholics Unite? Sacraments and Schism - William Albrecht 11.11.2026

  “Can Orthodox and Catholics unite?” This episode addresses the complexities of unity between these two traditions, including the role of Eastern Catholics in bridging the divide. Other questions explore the interpretation of Isaiah 22:19-22 regarding the papacy, and the implications of differing sacramental views in mixed-faith families. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:43 – Questions on Orthodoxy and objections to Orthodoxy 01:47 – What does unity actually look like within the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox? How did it look before any schism? I feel like Eastern Catholics will be key to breaking the schism. 06:53 – One child is raising his family in the Latin rite and the other in Greek Orthodox; my son’s family was advised not to go to my granddaughter’s Greek Orthodox baptism because it wouldn’t really be bearing witness to a true sacrament—what do you think of that? 14:15 – How do the Orthodox interpret Isaiah 22:19-22 in the context of the papacy? 20:33 – Would you recommend young men such as me to read this newly published Orthodox Christian Bible, or should I have a spiritual director to guide me through it; and how much authority should I look into the Catechism when reading it? 41:02 – For a fellow who’s been divorced and remarried, what is the argument for Roman Catholicism over an Orthodox Church that would accept him and still give him valid sacraments and not have him explode his whole life? 52:30 – Is there a possibility for a reunion with Greek Orthodoxy but allow the differences to remain, in light of the 2007 Ravenna document?
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  #12973 What Documents Challenge Papal Primacy? Filioque and More - William Albrecht 10.11.2026

  “What documents challenge papal primacy?” This episode addresses key texts cited by Orthodox Christians and the Catholic responses to them. Additionally, the discussion touches on the filioque controversy, examining scriptural support and insights from the Church Fathers, as well as the differences between Oriental Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:24 – What are the documents Orthodox quote against papal primacy, and what is the Catholic response? 09:09 – Have these documents led to any steps toward reunification with the Eastern Orthodox? 12:52 – Are there any verses that we can point to that support our view for the filioque? 15:44 – What about the Fathers? Are there anything from the Church Fathers that support the filioque? 17:45 – What’s the difference between Oriental Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, and how do I explain the difference between what she believes in Christology and what we believe? 23:09 – Why do we Catholics allow the Eastern Orthodox churches to own the Orthodox label when Catholics are most literally Orthodox Christians? 29:11 – I see so many priests living lives of privilege, and as a young man I’m having difficulty reconciling what I read and what I see. 42:34 – If the very least all Eastern Orthodox say that the bishop of Rome was the first among equals, doesn’t that show a certain level of historic primacy?
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  #12972 Should We Raise Hands During the Our Father? Priesthood - Tom Nash 10.11.2026

  “Should we raise hands during the Our Father?” This question leads to a discussion on liturgical practices, including a recent directive from Bishop Samples regarding hand gestures. Other topics include how to address apostolic arguments with non-denominational Christians and the complexities of honoring priests and bishops despite personal grievances. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:55 – Bishop Samples diocese says people need to stop extending their hands during the “Our Father.” 13:56 – How do I talk about the apostolic argument when talking to non-denominational? 21:16 – What if you get mad at a priest or bishop who is less than honorable? Do you have to honor them? How can you justify following them? 37:37 – I had a bad experience with a bishop and I know we are not allowed talking bad about them. But what do you do in a situation where a priest or bishop treats us individually badly? 46:50 – What is the scriptural basis for confession to a priest?
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  #12971 Why Do Christians Struggle with Emotions? Anger, Forgiveness - Gregory Popcak 09.11.2026

  “Why do Christians struggle with emotions?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of emotional experiences in the Christian life. The conversation also touches on the godly purpose behind feelings like anger and resentment, how to navigate friendships after betrayal, and the challenges of maintaining connections with loved ones who choose different paths. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:00 – Why do Christians have such a complicated relationship with emotions? 06:43 – You argue that there is a godly purpose to even unpleasant emotions like anger, resentment, frustration and other emotions Christians often feel guilty for even having much less acting on. How can these feelings serve godly ends? 19:57 – I feel a mix of emotions. I have a friend who committed adultery and my roommate is now friends with the woman whom my friend committed adultery with. How do I handle this from a Catholic perspective? My roommate is not Catholic? 28:15 – How do I handle the emotions of me and my bestfriend as we grow up? I went the Catholic route and she went down the LGBTQ+ route and am having a hard time connecting with? 36:05 – My youngest son just revealed where he was in his relationship with a girl. I unloaded my feelings on how I felt about her. What do I do? 44:35 – How do I reconcile when your brother sins against you and eventually cut him after you’ve taken it to the Church and the verse where it says to forgive your brother 7 times 70? 49:48 – Regarding Peter and Paul in the bible and their difference in temperament and how they were both dealt with by God to become great follower. How can we use them as examples on how to handle our temperaments?
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  #12970 Are We Less Ourselves Before Final Judgment? Lust and Fatima - Jimmy Akin 07.11.2026

  “Are we less ourselves before final judgment?” This question leads to a discussion on the nature of our body-soul composite and what it means for our identity after death. The conversation also touches on overcoming lust and the societal repentance required for Mary’s request at Fatima, along with the inclusion of the book of Tobit in the Bible. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:52 – If we are supposed to see ourselves as a body soul composite, then are we less of ourselves before the final judgment when we die? 20:24 – How do you overcome lust? 42:50 – What would have been the level of societal repentance needed to satisfy Mary’s request at Fatima before the wars? 49:30 – Why is the book of Tobit included in the bible if it’s a source of fiction?
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  #12969 Why Do We Need Indulgences If Christ Died for Us? Bishops, Voting - Jimmy Akin 06.11.2026

  “Why do we need indulgences if Christ died for us?” This question opens a discussion on the role of the Church in distributing Christ’s merits, especially during November when we remember the dead. Other topics include the Vatican’s record-keeping of bishops and priests, the implications of false oaths on salvation, and the moral responsibilities of voting in elections. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:35 – November is the month when Catholics especially remember the dead, and one of the things we can do for them is gain an indulgence by visiting a cemetery and praying for them. But here’s something I’ve wondered: If Christ’s merits are infinite and freely available to us, why do we need the Church to distribute them through indulgences? 20:24 – Does the Vatican keep records of which bishop ordained which priest and which apostolic lineage they come from? 28:45 – I have ocd and during my recent ocd attacks below bizzare thoughts were bothering me. I just want to know if below things are possible so that i dont have to fight these thoughts and I’ll be relieved. 1)What if one tells God , i keep my salvation as a collateral, instead help me with something, for example, a job. Post that I’ll donate something to the church and you can give back my salvation, else im ok to go to hell 2) If one takes a false oath on ones soul saying he’s ok with the consequences or promises on the soul, to not do something and still does it, can he still be saved or is this binding. 42:34 – Where did the 3 days of darkness come from and who promotes it? 50:09 – I did not vote in the most recent election because I believe both sides promote intrinsic evil. The Catechism says it is our duty to vote. What should I have done?
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  #12968 Should We Stop Evangelizing to Other Religions? Secularism and the Gospel - Tim Staples 06.11.2026

  “Should we stop evangelizing to other religions?” This question arises amid discussions on secularism and the Gospel. The episode also addresses Bishop Barron’s critique of cardinals on conversion, strategies for engaging with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and how to connect with Catholics who may not fully embrace their faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:34 – Bishop Barron criticized two cardinals who say the Church isn’t there to convert people. What do you make of it? 16:11 – In prosperous societies like Australia, New Zealand and Europe, how do we answer the rampant secularism? 21:30 – Two Jehovah’s Witnesses came to my house and want to come back. Do you have any tips on how to share the Gospel with them? 28:28 – My Muslim Uber driver tried to do dawah on me on my way to Mass. I told him conversion to Christianity is a spiritual, heart conversion, but I felt I was too abrupt. 45:19 – I’m Catholic, but not all the way Catholic. How can I reach Catholics who aren’t really into the Bible and live like the world the rest of the week?
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  #12967 What Are the Five Solas? Salvation, Baptism, and Mary - Brayden Cook 05.11.2026

  “What are the five solas of Protestantism, and how does a Catholic respond to them?” This question opens a discussion on key theological differences, while also addressing the rich young ruler’s inquiry about eternal life and the role of baptism in salvation. Additionally, the conversation touches on Marian dogmas and the implications of unconditional election in Catholic teaching. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:39 – What are the five solas of Protestantism, and how does a Catholic respond to them? 15:24 – When the rich young ruler asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was that a salvation question? 18:43 – When someone asks me, “Brother, are you saved?” I say yes — baptism saves us, I was baptized as an infant, so I’m saved unless I lose it. What would you say? 21:07 – How would you answer the Protestant theology of unconditional election from Church teaching? 34:21 – I’m going through OCIA. I don’t disagree with the Marian dogmas, I just don’t understand them. Can I still have assurance of salvation if I accept the Church’s teaching and authority? 46:09 – Why does the opportunity for salvation end at death?
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  #12964 How to Convince Joyce Carol Oates on Real Presence? Eucharist, Mass - Tom Nash 04.11.2026

  “How would you convince Joyce Carol Oates that we truly believe in the real presence?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of the Eucharist in Catholic faith. Other topics include the proper approach for those considering conversion, the reasons behind the different Eucharistic prayers, and the role of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:17 – How would you convince Joyce Carol Oates that we truly believe in the real presence? 15:02 – I’m not Catholic yet. I want to convert but I’m a leader of my church community. When I go to mass to I go up to receive a blessing, or should I stay in the pew? If I go through OCIA, why would I get pulled from mass to go to a class during the consecration? 28:47 – Why are 4 different eucharistic prayers and who chooses which prayer to pray? It’s hard to follow. 34:08 – Who is supposed to lead the Entrance Antiphon and Communion Antiphon. Is it the priest of the congregation? 41:21 – What is the Church’s stance of receiving communion from Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion? Is there a difference in receiving communion from them and a priest or deacon? 45:53 – When offering prayers before mass, how many offerings can you offer up? 49:41 – No question, but something about language. What don’t you understand about metaphor? All language has some form of it. That includes Hebrew, Greek and English. Get real
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  #12963 What’s the Earliest Evidence for Transubstantiation? Eucharist, Mass - William Albrecht 03.11.2026

  “What’s the earliest evidence for transubstantiation?” This question opens a discussion on the historical foundations of the Eucharist, including insights into the evidence for the Eucharist itself and the theological implications of whether Catholics are re-sacrificing Jesus. The conversation also touches on why certain individuals are denied communion and the protective nature of the Mass for those who may not attend regularly. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:30 – What’s the earliest evidence outside the Bible for transubstantiation? 14:29 – What’s the evidence for the Eucharist? 19:17 – Are Catholics re-sacrificing Jesus? 22:02 – Why do people get denied communion like politicians or gay couples when Jesus didn’t even deny communion to Judas? 36:25 – How much protection does the mass provide to a person who doesn’t always attend but feels like their childhood Catholicism holds them safe? 45:26 – Catholics claim that the Road to Emmaus is about eucharist but Jesus told the followers to touch him knowing he is real. If you take this same logic to the eucharist, the host feels nothing like Jesus therefore the story cannot be about the eucharist. Thoughts?
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  #12962 How Do Protestants Justify the 5 Solas? Catholic Differences - Stephen Boyce 03.11.2026

  “How do Protestants justify the 5 Solas?” This question opens a discussion on the foundational beliefs that shape Protestant theology, while also addressing the implications of adding other elements to these principles. The conversation further explores the differences between nominalism and realism, recommendations for Lutherans considering Catholicism, and the need for a modern reformation among Protestants. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:00 – How do protestants justify the 5 solas? if you use other things it does away with the sola part, doesn’t it? 13:48 – Are the differences in nominalism and realism a way to explain the theological differences between Catholics and Protestants? 23:57 – I’m Lutheran looking to come into the Catholic faith. What reading material do you recommend? 40:40 – Do you think today’s modern-day protestants are in need of a reformation? 48:29 – I don’t think the issue of the reformation is black and white. Is it possible the Church admitted its own shortcomings during the conflict?
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  #12961 Did the Protestant Reformation Fail? Luther and Atonement - Stephen Boyce 02.11.2026

  “Did the Protestant Reformation fail?” This question opens a discussion on the Reformation’s goals and outcomes, including insights on whether it succeeded. The conversation also touches on Penal substitutionary atonement versus St. Anselm’s model, and reflections on Luther’s trial and the implications of his teachings. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:14 – Did the Protestant Reformation succeed in its goal? 19:43 – I’m in OCIA from a reformed background. Can you explain Penal substitutionary atonement compared to St. Anselm’s model? 29:39 – I think it’s a shame that the conversation wasn’t had with Luther but instead he was put on trial. What are your thoughts on this? 42:01 – I grew up MO synod Lutheran and believe that the reformation was not successful at all. I think that all teaching was completely undermined and led to disaster. What are your thoughts on that? 48:11 – What prompted Luther’s journey in the wrong direction?
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  #12958 What Did the Church Fathers Teach About the Eucharist? - Mike Aquilina 30.10.2026

  “How did the Church Fathers teach about the Eucharist?” The early Church Fathers provided profound insights into Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist, even during His earthly ministry, as seen at the Last Supper. Additionally, the discussion touches on the diversity among the Fathers and their perceived radicalism compared to modern interpretations, as well as the relationship between the Fathers and the Protestant Reformers. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:30 – How did the Church Fathers explain Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist when Jesus was still alive (like at the Last Supper)? 24:00 – In the early centuries of Christianity there seems to be a great diversity of persons among the Church fathers, and that got lost somewhere along the line in the West. It seems like the Fathers were a bit more radical, then they became a bit more “clean cut.” I feel like the modern Church could use a bit more of that original radicalism. What do you think? 33:18 – It seems like the Church Fathers were so obviously Catholic. Did the Protestant Reformers just ignore them? 44:15 – What is your opinion on why the Church Fathers are so ignored by modern Protestants? 49:45 – The Church Fathers can be surprisingly easy to read, and they are great teachers.
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  #12957 Does Jesus Allow Divorce for Adultery? Hope for Marriage - Rose Sweet 29.10.2026

  “Does Jesus allow divorce for adultery?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of marriage and fidelity in the light of faith. Other topics include the implications of same-sex attraction in cases of infidelity, personal stories of healing after infidelity, and the challenges faced by those in long-term marriages affected by past divorces. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:40 – Does Jesus permit divorce in cases of adultery? 29:03 – What if the adultery was happening with a person of the same sex? Would the fact that the person is gay make it an illicit marriage? 33:15 – I have experienced infidelity. My husband and I have been getting help in saving our marriage. I just want to give hope and encouragement to others who might be struggling. 44:31 – I’ve been married for 31 years. My husband had been married before and was divorced (adultery played a part on both sides). They thought they were divorced, but there was a clerical error, so we just found out they are still married. We have been living as roommates for 15 years. Can I leave him? 49:50 – My husband was unfaithful in the beginning of our marriage but God turned it around and our marriage is so much stronger because of it now.